"What?" Buffy said, hearing Xander's whispered word. She looked and
froze.
Willow was standing there. She blinked away tears as she saw her friend
for
the first time in six years. "Oh my god...Willow."
"Drusilla has him" Willow said, her eyes focused solely on Spike's face.
"I'll get him" Spike said, wondering how Dru had known to go after the
kids.
Willow smiled softly, "Yes, you will. I can feel him....he's so scared
but
he's being brave. He knows I'll save him."
"Do you know where he is? Where she has him?" Spike asked, not believing
how
quickly everything was happening. He was going to lose Willow too soon.
He
saw her nod.
"Yes. I know where they are" Willow said, looking up. She looked at
Xander
and guilt entered her eyes. "I'm so sorry....I never thought she'd
go after
anyone other than Spike.....I won't let him be hurt."
"I know" Xander said, amazed that he was standing there talking to his
best
friend again. He saw her waver and could make out the wall behind her.
How
had Spike done it for six years? Seeing her and knowing he couldn't
touch her?
"Willow" Angel said softly, "I'm sorry....it's my fault you died."
"No one's fault. It happened. Quit blaming everything that happens on
yourself Angel. Be happy." Willow said, smiling at him. She looked
at Spike.
"Are you ready?"
"No. I'll never be ready to lose you." he admitted. "I don't want to
let you
go Red, but I know I have to. So, let's go save William and kill that
bitch."
She looked at her friends and smiled softly, "Take care of him for me.
I love
you all" she said as she faded from their view.
Buffy put her head into Riley's shoulder as she sobbed, her tears soaking
his
shirt. Anya held onto Anne tightly, Xander's arm around her as they
waited
tensely for the return of William. Angel simply held Cordelia, her
tears
flowing silently. Spike left with a smile and a promise to return William
soon.
Anne looked at Andrew and said, "Uncie Spike is her prince. Bet William
didn't know that."
"Don't cry mommy." Andrew said. "The princess will defeat the nasty
old
witch. She always does."
"I hope so, sweetie" Buffy said, hugging her son. She continued to cry
for
Willow.